* '''Blooms Boutique Hostel and Apartments''' [http://www.blooms-hostel.pl], Kwiatowa str. 2. phone: +48 61 221 44 48, e-mail: [mailto:info@blooms-hostel.pl info@blooms-hostel.pl] Located close to the Old Brewery shopping centre and the Old Market Square - with easy, quick connections to both the train station, bus station and the international fairgrounds. Wifi, linen and a full breakfast included. 56 beds. From 50 PLN.

+

* '''Blooms Boutique Hostel Inn and Apartments''' [http://www.blooms.com.pl], Kwiatowa str. 2. phone: +48 61 221 44 48, e-mail: [mailto:info@blooms.com.pl info@blooms.com.pl] Located close to the Old Brewery shopping centre and the Old Market Square - with easy, quick connections to both the train station, bus station and the international fairgrounds. Blooms offers private rooms with bathroom, dormitories and apartments. Wifi, linen and a full breakfast included. 40 rooms. From 29 PLN.

* '''By The Way Hostel''' [http://www.bythewayhostel.pl], Półwiejska str. 19/10. In the city centre, just 10 minutes walk from the train and coach stations, and a little bit closer to the Old Town. In the vicinity two modern shopping malls. [mailto:hostel@bythewayhostel.com hostel@bythewayhostel.com], phone : +48 698 380 473.

* '''By The Way Hostel''' [http://www.bythewayhostel.pl], Półwiejska str. 19/10. In the city centre, just 10 minutes walk from the train and coach stations, and a little bit closer to the Old Town. In the vicinity two modern shopping malls. [mailto:hostel@bythewayhostel.com hostel@bythewayhostel.com], phone : +48 698 380 473.

Understand

Poznań is a town steeped in history, as it was the first capital (with Gniezno) of Poland and seen by many as the birthplace of the Polish nation. Today it is a diverse and vibrant town, with much to divert the traveller. It has a stunningly rejuvenated central square, thriving night-life, fascinating museums and many attractions in the surrounding area. For train buffs, Poznań is the home of Europe's last surviving steam-hauled passenger service. With a strategic position on the Berlin – Moscow train line, Poznań will be for many their first experience of Poland.

The airport is situated only 7 km from the city centre and is easily accessible by public bus : #59 (from a stop between Kaponiera Crossing and Sheraton Hotel - approx. every 25-30 minutes - travel time approx. 22-24 min.) and fast line #L (from the Main Railway Station and as well from Sheraton - approx. every 45 minutes - travel time approx. 18-20 min).

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (IATA: BER) [5] is connected by several bus lines to Poznań (3 1/2h travel time, around 15€). Its numerous direct flights to most major European cities, long-distance destinations (including New York, Los Angeles and Beijing) and its vast range of low-cost airlines make it an interesting alternative.

By train

main station

Poznań is a crucial railway junction and all trains going between Moscow and Western Europe stop here. Trains to Berlin or Warsaw take approximately 3 hours in either direction and cost around €20 one-way. Trains to Kraków (approx. 8 daily) take around 6 hours and cost €15 one-way, Wroclaw (more than 15 daily) will take around 3 hours and cost around €8. The journey to Gdansk (6 trains daily) will take 5,5 hours and cost €12 and to Toruń (6 trains per day) : 2,5 hours and €7.

Frequent and convenient train connection from Warsaw. Journey time about 3 hours. Cost from €10 (Inter Regio trains) through €14 (fast trains) to as much as €30 (Inter City Plus).

Poznań is also served by long-distance trains leading to popular beach- and mountain resorts : Zakopane (2 night trains in winter and summer season), Szklarska Poręba/Kudowa Zdrój (2 daily + 1 in season), Kołobrzeg (Kolberg), Hel and Świnoujście.

Besides, Poznań and Wielkopolska region has a vast network of local connections. For tourist the most important can be trains going to :

In some cases (going from or to Cathedral Island - Ostrów Tumski, the Old Town) it can be wise to use local train stop "Poznań-Garbary" instead of the main station.

By bus

Poznań is served by the Eurolines coach network. Count on fares of around €90 one-way to London or Amsterdam. Every day more than 200 local buses leave for town and even small villages everywhere in Wielkopolska region.

The Poznań coach station is situated nearby the train station (5-min walk) and as well few-minutes-walk from the main entrance to the Fair Ground. Other places in the centre are also accessible on foot. Just next to the coach station one can find several city tram and bus lines:

trams 6, 10, 11 i 12 - just 1 stop (left, when you leave the coach station) to the train station or as well 1 stop (to the right) to the Shopping Mall Stary Browar (The Old Brewery) or to shopping area nearby ul. Półwiejska.

bus 71 (heading toward "Os. Wichrowe Wzgórze") giving access to e.g. The Province Office, the main building of the Poznań University, to the Opera House or to Mickiewicz Sq. with the Monument of Poznan Crosses (Uprising 1956).

Poznan has many bus connections first of all with cities and towns in West Poland (Gorzów, Zielona Góra, sea resorts, mountain resorts in Sudety Mountains), but there are also coaches heading to : Lublin, Łódź, Warsaw etc. Apart from that there's a vast network of local and regional buses, especially to towns with poor (or no) train connection.

Get around

Poznań is a compact city, but has a decent (no longer cheap) public transport system, consisting of trams, fast trams (similar to metro), and buses.

However, the city's transportation authority (MPK) received a lot of negative feedback in Feb 2008 after fare hike. Some transportation rules have also been changed, not always following the logic.

The center is navigable on foot, but if you decide to use trams (buses don't usually run in the center), here are the prices of tickets (valid from 1 of June 2012):

15 minute ride: 2.60 zł (ca. €0.61)

30 minute ride: 3.40 zł (ca. €0.87)

A suggested solution is to buy 10-15 of 15 minute tickets. 15 min tickets no longer can be combined into a 30 minute ticket, and 2 reduced fare tickets (50%) do not constitute one of regular fare. Each person must have a separate ticket.

For city bus travelers as well stop-tickets (valid for the proper number of stops) are in circulation :

up to 10 stops : 2,60 zł (ca. €0.61)

over 10 stops 3,40 zł (ca. €0.87).

Using stop tickets one is not allowed to change a bus or to change from a bus to a tram.

There are also 60 and 90 minute tickets, but if you plan to see more of the city, one-day or week tickets are a better offer. They cost respectively 12,00 (€2.82) and 32 zł (€9.00). Both one-day and one-week tickets are actually 24h and 168h tickets - starting from the first time you validate them in a bus or tram - additionally they are valid for any public transport line (including the express ones) without additional fare. Besides that a 24h ticket validated between 8.00 PM (20:00) on Friday and 12:00 AM on Saturday is valid till 12:00 AM on Sunday.

Fifteen minutes on a tram is usually enough to ride a few stops in the city out of the peak hours. For more than ca. 5-6 stops, use a 30-minute ticket.

You may transfer as many times as you wish, but ride as long as the ticket is valid. Night buses have the same tickets and fares. Express buses cost twice as much, but are far from being twice faster, so the advice is to avoid them (besides fast line "L" joining the airport with the main railway station.

Nobody checks the tickets as you enter, so remember to "click" (validate) your ticket as soon as the vehicle starts, or you might be fined 100..200 zł (27..55€) if controlled. The fine might not seem large, but will cause you trouble. Remember, it's not like in North America, where the ticket is checked upon entering the bus. In Europe, if your ticket expires, you have to use another one or leave.

Unless you study in Poland, you will not be eligible for discounts on public transport.

Luggage smaller than "65 x 45 x 25 cm" can be carried without a fee, so click (validate) another ticket for your backpack. Smaller luggage, small dogs, as well as wheelchairs and prams can be taken for free. Bicycles can be refused during peak hours. On piece of luggage (bigger than 65x45x25) is free of charge in "L" airport-fast line

In winter 2009 a new internet serviced was launched: Jak dojadę[7] (Polish for : How will I get to...) – enabling to find a connection and the proper timetable even without a good knowledge about the topography of the city. It's enough to write the place (street, famous building) where you plan to start and finish your trip and the system will find you the quickest way.

See

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The old town square in Poznan

Cathedral

Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), famed as the spot on which Poznań was founded, is a quiet island, with a permanent population consisting mostly of bishops, priests and monks. It was supposedly here that the town was founded, after three brothers Rus, Lech and Czech met here after not seeing each other for years (poznać being Polish for 'to meet'). It is also the spot where Poland adopted Chistian baptism in 966 and where the first church (still existing Poznan Cathedral) of polish territories was built (968).
The island is accessible from the centre / Old Town by trams 4, 8 and 17 and bus 63 (other lines, not really useful for tourist are 67 and 83). The cathedral is open for visitors every day from 8AM to 4PM-7PM (depending on the day), but is closed for sightseeing during services (esp. Sundays). Admission : €0.70.

St. Peter's and Paul's Cathedral - the first polish cathedral and the only one between years 968 and 1000. Burial place of 8 polish dukes and kings from the Piast dynasty - original graves from Xth and XIth cent. of Mesko I and his son Boleslaus the Brave preserced in the cellar; as well as the baptism bowl - a probabel baptism place of Duke Mesko I. In today used space of the cathedral pay attention to the chain of chapels around the main aisle, not touched by bombings in 1945 - the most precious ones are : the Golden Chapel (which a present memorial place of Mesko I and Boleslaus the Brave - in the sarcophagus on the right-hand side) and the Holy Cross Chapel.

The Our Lady Church - built in late Gothic style (approx. 1430), not very significant for its present shape and values, but important for its role in Xth cent, when in the place the duke's palace and a small chapel were built. The chapel was probably erected one year before the official baptism of Poland. The interior (due to archeological excavations) is closed for visitors.

The archbishop's Palace - originally built at the same time as the cathedral, but its present shape comes from the 2nd half of 18th cent. For obvious reasons: closed for visitors.

The bishop Lubranski University - the second oldest high school in Poland, founded by bishop John Lubranski in 1518. At the present - the Archdieacesional Museum.

Psalter House erected in the beginnings of 16th cent (as well by bishop Lubranski) as a rehearsal-place for psalter singers. They were due to sing the David's Psalms in the Cathedral the whole day round. Nowadays the building is used by Christian associations.

canonries - mostly from 18th and 19th cent, built for noble priest working for the Poznan Cathedral and Archbishop.

church

Stary Rynek, the old town square, one of the finest in Europe. This is the centre of old, medieval Poznań, and has been superbly rebuilt after severe destruction in World War 2. Cafés and bars line the square and it is a superb spot for ordering a drink and watching the world go by.

Town Hall is the centrepiece of the Rynek. Originally a gothic construction, erected in the first years of XIVth cent, later rebuilt in renessaince style by Giovanni Battista di Quadro from Lugano. It is said to be the most beautiful non-church renessaince building north of the Alps. The building houses the Historical Museum of Poznań (originally the the headquarters of municipal powers and the city court), displaying exhibitions about the history of the city from the 10th century to the present day. Two things to watch out for here are the ornately decorated Great Entrance Hall and the mechanical goats which appear from the roof of the building each day at noon to butt their heads together a dozen times. The museum is open M,Tu,F 10AM-4PM, W noon-6PM and Su 10AM-3PM. Admission is €1.50.

The City Church of St. Stanislaus and Our Lady - opened in 2007 after total refurbishment, one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Poland. Originally - a Jesuits' church, nowadays: the parish church for the Old Town. Many tourist come here not for the beauty of the building, but for the sounds of its organs, built here in the 1870s by one of the most famous organ masters of that time: Friedrich Ladegast from Wesenfels (Germany). The organs can be heard during services (regular on Sundays and on weekdays: 3 or 4 in the morning and 1 in the evening) and during organ concerts (each Saturday, 12:15, entrance free). Entrance: €1,10 (2009).

The former Jesuits' College - an old Jesuits' school build by the monk in the same period, as the neighbouring church, now houses the City Office - so it's possible to get in to see the interiors, but only halls and corridors. In the early 19th century is was the quarters for emperor Napoleon I during his marsh toward Moscow. Few years later - the concert place for Frederic Chopin (his original instrument is still exhibited in Poznan in the Museum of Musical Instruments - see below). In front of the City Office - the monument of two goats - the symbol of the city.

King's Castle - rebuilt by king Przemysl II in 1290s, but erected by is father, duke Przemysl I as a duke's residence for Poznan county. The only remnants of the original building are the foundations, and - what tourists mostly look is the newer part of the building dated from the second half of 18th century. Nowadays it houses the Museum of Applied Art and from the walls you can watch the panorama of the Old Town. Poznan King's Castle was the place of the Fist Prussian Homage in 1492 (however more famous is the second one presented on famous picture painted by Jan Matejko). The hill was also the place, where the arms of Polish first dynasty (Piasts) - the White Eagle - became the official national symbol.

The Franciscan Church - it's a rather typical church from the turn of 17th and 18th cent, but is really worth coming here at least for a few minutes for its beautiful paintings on the vaulting and wood carvings created by two ingenious monk - brothers Adam and Antony Swach from the Czech territories. More religious visitors come here for the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Incessant Help - the Lady of Poznan (the picture in left side-aisle). The undergrounds of the church house two Models of Old Poznan.

The Gorka Palace - the Gorkas were a famous late-medieval noble family in Poznan and erected their palace in mid 15th century, later rebuit in 16th in Renaissance style (a marvelous portal from the eastern side). Presently the Palace Houses houses the Archeological Museum (see below).

The Holliest Blood Church - on Żydowska (Jewish) street, its erection is connected with a legend about desecration of the host done by a group of Jews. During services the priest stands backward to the people, and the church is used both by Roman Catholics and Greek Catholics (service each Sunday at 12:00 in Ukrainian).

Środka district - located just few minutes from the Cathedral Island, originally a merchants' and craftmen's district working for the duke or king court, located here in first half of 13th century, as the first place: the Cathedral Island - was overpopulated. The name come from the polish name "Środa" (Wednesday), as weekly markets took place on Wednesdays.

St. Margaret Church - late-Romanesque church (with some Gothic features) in the middle of Środka Market Square, nowadays a side-church for the cathedral parish. It's pretty hard to get inside, unless you come approx. a quarter before or after services.

The church of St. John of Jerusalem - the first building on Polish territories built with bricks (before only wooden or stone building were erected) around the year 1188. The church was erected for the Johnnites order, who were running a hospital for the poor people nearby. The entrance is free, but as well limited to moments before or after services. This is also the only place in the city, where holy masses for dead people take place.

Since 2007 you can get from the Cathedral Island to Srodka district using a new (pedestrians and cyclers only) bridge, bearing the name of bishop Jordan (968-982), who was the first bishop of Poznan and Poland.

Just behind Srodka a recreational area at the banks of Malta Lake start. They are located only 3km away from the centre and include : an artificial skiing slope, a all-year-round tobogan slide, bike rental, ZOO (the biggest one in Poland), walking and jogging areas, a rollerskating track (5,5 km). The zoo is linked with the Srodka district by narrow-gauge line, working from spring till autumn on workdays every hour, on weekends - every 30 minutes. Details : [9] (Polish only). Tickets - appr. €1.00, for kids €0.70, family tickets €3.00

The Emperor's district. The main building here is the Emperor's Castle, erected 1905-1910 by Franz Schwechten, the Berlin court architect of German emperor Wilhelm II. The huge neo-Romanesque building, which alludes to medieval constructions, was officially opened by the Emperor personally. It was the seat of Polish President in the inter-war period and Hitler's residence during WW2, when it was remodelled under the Albrecht Speer.
The dominating element of the building is the Tower, originally 74-m high, after WW2 was lowered (due to the damage in the lat period of the war) by approx. 20 metres. In the Rose Courtyard (opposite site to the main entrance) one can find a fountain modelled on the 13th century lions fountain in Allhambra (Spain).
At present the castle is the seat of the Castle Culture Centre, the Animation Theatre and many other institutions. It's also a place of many exhibitions, meetings, concerts and festivals.

The system of forts surrounding Poznań in 19th century, all located nearby former round-road, just few km from the nowadays centre. Most of them is unfortunately in poor technical state and are used for many (not really historical) purposes. Anyway it’s worth going to Fort VII (Polska str, accessible from the centre by trams #2, #17 and #18 to the final Ogrody stop, from the a short walk), where the Museum of Martyrology is located. The sightseeing of some forts on your own can be simply dangerous!!

A very unusual monumet os Stary Marych, at the very beginning of Półwiejska Str (a shopping pedestrian zone), which is probably the only monument in the world of a man walking with a bike (all other cyclers ride!). The Monument is dedicated to Stary Marych (Old Marych), a fictitious person, who features in local newspapers or in local radio stations (from 1983) , and all his speches about the actual problems are written (and read) in local Poznan dialect. It’s also the only monument of local dialect in Poland.

The nature reservation „The Morasko Meteorite” – one of only two places like that in Europe (the second one is in Estonia) – a system of 7 craters left after a meteorite fall several thousands years ago. The name ‘Morasko’ comes from the suburban district placed appr. 1km away.

Most of this atractions can be found on The Royal-Imperial Route in Poznań. This is a tour for tourist who would like to get to know better the history and culture of Poznań.

Citadel Park, Wzgórze Cytadela. Formerly a fortress built by the Prussians in 1828, it was destroyed during fighting in 1945. It contains a cemetery for the Russian, Polish and British soldiers who lost their lives here.

Museums

National Museum in Poznań[10] has several branches throughout in the city:

Musical Instruments Museum, Stary Rynek 45-47, phone: +48 61 852 08 57, [13] Tuesday – Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 11am-3pm, 7 zł. With 2000 items from all over the world, this is the only exhibition of its kind in Poland. It also has an extensive collection of Chopin memorabilia.

The Museum of Poznan Uprising 1956 - ul. Św. Marcin 80/82, [16]. Placed in the interiors of Emperor's Castle shows exhibits connected with the Poznan workers' protest against the communist system in June 1956. On the exhibition there are photos of attendants and their personal belongings, as well as historical sources about the anticommunist opposition between 1945-1989. An interesting thing is a reconstructed tram, used by protestants as a barricade. The museum is open : Tue-Fri 10-17, Sat-Sun 10-15, admission 4 zł, reduced 2 (free Saturdays).

Literary Museum of Henryk Sienkiewicz , Stary Rynek 84, phone: +48 61 852 2496, [17] Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, admission €0.70. Sienkiewicz, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1905, is best known for his work Quo Vadis?, an epic on early Christians in the Roman empire. He is Poland's most celebrated novelist, and this is the most extensive collection of items about his life and works.

Archbishopric Museum - ul. Lubrańskiego 1, phone: +48 61 852 61 95, [18]. Placed in the former Lubranski Academy - the second oldest (after Krakow) higher school in Poland. The exhibition shows church art, mostly from the Greater-Poland region, from early Middle Ages to present times, coffin portraits and a Treasury. Some interesting exhibits: baptism clothes of the Polish King Jan III Sobieski and a sword (given to the first Poznan bishop Jordan by the Pope Urban IX), used - according to the tradition - by St. Peter to cut off the ear of o Roman soldier short after Christ's death.

Do

Fans of steam trains will be in their element in Poznań. A fun day trip is to take a steam train to the Wielkopolska National Park. Take the 8:15 train from Poznań Główny station to Stęszew, a thirty-five minute journey. Walk to the road crossing, turn left and continue until you enter the park near Lake Witobelskie. Follow the blue path to Mosina where you can catch the train back to Poznań. You can book a seat next to the driver for €4.50 by calling 068 348 2008, ext. 368.

Cinemas

Festivals, events

The International Theatre Festival "Malta" [25] – dozens of plays (both street ones and in theatres, museum, other closed space), on the turn of June and July

Judaic Days [26] – events (exhibitions, Tora reading etc) about Jewish culture, every year in the mid of January.

The Days of French Culture [27] – March/April (depending on the Easter time) in "Dom Bretanii" (The House of Bretagne) on the Old Market Square.

The Contemporary Music Festival "The Poznań Music Spring” – in the first half of April.

The Bible Marathon – always in February in many churches (including monumental ones in the centre). Have a look how hundreds of people (mostly young ones) read whole Bible during few days.

Kaziuki – an event celebrating St. Casimir, the patron of Lithuania – a good moment to buy a Vilnius palm or to eat a cepelin – yearly in the first weekend of March.

The Passion of Christ – the biggest show in Poland presenting events from 2000 years ago, gathering every year in the Citadel Park appr. 120 thousand people. Always 8 days before Easter, on Saturday on the meadow next the the Bell of Peace, around 19:00.

The Horse Cavalry Day – usually the third weekend of April – events in the horse centre ‘Wola’ in the suburbs and in the Old Town, especially on the Old Market Square and nearby the 15th Poznań Cavalry Unit Memorial in Ludgardy street.

The Fair of St. John – takes place always on the Main Square and surrounding streets in the second half of June.

The Anniversary of Poznan Uprising on the 28th June, 1956 – every year on the Mickiewicz Square (nearby the Castle and railway station) on June, 28th.

The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul – the patrons of the city, one day after: June, 29th.

During summer holidays:

The Old-Town Jazz Concerts (Saturdays) and Cameral Concerts (Sundays) on the Town Hall stairs.

The Promenade Concerts – every summer Sunday in Wilson's Park (from the centre trams: #5, #8 i #14 to the stop Park Wilsona).

The National Feast of France in Poznan [29] – always on the July 14th.

The Parish Church Festival „Madlaine’s Tress” - in most cases the only opportunity to visit (usually closed) parts of the post-Jesuits’ complex : the Chapter Chamber, organs, the garret. Always during the weekend about July 22nd.

The Feast of Poznan Bambers [30] – always on August, 2nd, in the anniversary day of the arrival of the first settlers’ group from Bamberg (Germany) to Poznan in XVIIIth centrury.

The Tzadik Poznan Festival – the feast of Jewish culture in the former synagogue, turned during WW2 into a swimming pool – mid-August

The Festival of Good Taste – the feast of Greater-Poland cooking traditions, in mid-August on the Old market Square.

The Contemporary Dance Workshops [31] – workshops of more than 50 dance techniques, inspired by the famous Poznan Dance Theatre and its conductor Ewa Wycichowska, yearly in the second half of August.

The Gypsies’ Culture Meetings – last two weekends of August, on the Plac Wolności Sqaure, Old Market Square and on the courtyards of the Emperor’s Castle.

The days of Pyra-Land (pyra in local Poznan dialect means potato – the feast of potato cooking – try it made in more than 100 ways! – the first weekend of September in Łęgi Dębińskie Park (accessible from the centre by trams #2, #9, #10 and bus #76)

The Lviv Days in Poznan (Lviv – a city in western Ukraine, formerly belonging to Poland, deeply rooted in Polish culture) – a series of meetings, lectures and workshops – mid-September.

The Bread Festival – organised by bakers from Poznan and Greater Poland, associated by bakery-goods tasting – second weekend of September, the Old Market Square.

The Kid Films Festival 'Ale Kino' (‘What a Cinema’) [32] – a festival of films produced for young watchers, yearly from 1983 in December.

The Christmas Market „The Poznań Bethleyem” – stalls with souvenirs, with Christmas decorations, hot wine... All on the Old Market Square and nearby the west entrance to the Stary Browar Mall. Always three weeks before Christmas.

Other

Brewery sightseeing tour[33] - it's possible to arrange a tour in brewery (ul. Szwajcarska 11), where guest accompanied by a local guide can watch all the production processes; finally the tour is ended with a short competition about beer and - of course - with tasting of some golden drink from Poznan. Tour ordering : mailto:swiatlecha@kp.pl or by phone: +48 61 87 87 460. Cost 12 zł, you have to be 18 or older.

The models of Old Poznan[34] (since Oct. 2008 there are two of them) - it's not a typical model, where you simply watch small plastic houses. It is an interactive 30-minutes show presenting the history of the city from its founding at the turn of 9th and 10th century till 18th century. The new model (open in October 2008) presents the very beginnings of the city and its capital role played by Poznan during the reign of two first Polish rulers. Both models can be found in Ludgardy street in the cellars of Franciscan Monastery. Shows are organised daily from 9:30 every 45 minutes, additional shows in summer evenings. The choice of several languages: Polish, English, Spanish, German, Russian and Italian. Entrance: 14 zł. phone: +48 61 855 14 35.

Buy

The Stary Rynek is full of stalls where you can buy handicrafts and toys. Good souvenir shops selling folk handicraft are situated in Woźna street (one of the streets from the Square eastwards).

Shopping Malls

old brewery

Stary Browar[35] (The Old Brewery) – placed in the reconstructed buildings of the brewery built by Otto Hugger in 1870s. Perfectly located in the city centre, in 2006 and 2007 it got a prestigious award for the best shopping mall of the world in the middle-size category. Many entrances: from Półwiejska street (which itself is a very popular shopping area), from Kościuszki or from the park between the Mall and Ogrodowa. Open : Mon-Sat 9-21 (the food supermarket in the underground 8-22); Sun 10-20 (supermarket 9-21).

Kupiec Poznański[36] (The Poznan Vendor) – just few minutes from the Old Market Square, recommended for those who (being in the Old Town) have no time to walk anywhere further. It's – unfortunately – a mall without a food supermarket, but you can find here more than 50 other shops and an exchange office. Address: pl. Wiosny Ludów 2, phone: +48 61 850 88 00. Open: Mo-Sat 10-21, Sun 11-19.

Franowo Shopping Centre[37] – a huge complex (Ikea, M1 with a big supermarket and appr. 60 other shops & restaurants), a vegetable market (for retailers only) and some other shops in Franowo district. Located far from the centre, but a visit here can be combined with a visit in Poznan Brewery (see above). ul. Szwedzka 6 and Szwajcarska 14, phone: +48 61 87 99 913. Open: Mo-Sat 10-21, Sun 10-19. Accessible by buses #52, #81, #84 and direct fast line from the centre #A.

Galeria Malta[38] - the latest mall in Poznan, and the biggest one in West Poland, on the shores of Lake Malta in one of the most picturesque parts of Poznań. The centre’s commercial space covers an area equal to 20 soccer fields and accommodates more than 170 establishments, including shops and boutiques bearing the most popular Polish and international brand names, service shops, restaurants, cafes, a multi-screen cinema complex and a fitness club. ul. Baraniaka 8. Open: Mon-Sat 9-21, Sun 10-20.

Auchan shopping mall – a typical suburban shopping centre. ul. Głogowska 432, phone: +48 61 656 86 00. Open Mon-Sat 8.30-22, Sun 9-20. Accessible by trams #5, #8 and#14 from the centre to the final stop Górczyn, from there bus #80. Another Auchan shopping mall is located in Swadzim, appr. 14 km from the centre using road number 92.

King Cross Marcelin [39] – a shopping centre in the western parts of the city, just next to the street leading to Lawica airport, 156 Bukowska str., phone: +48 61 886 04 02. Open: Mon-Sat 9-22 (a food supermarket 8:30-22), Sun 10-20 (the supermarket 9-22)

Poznan-Plaza [40] – a small-sized, double-floored centre located in the north of the city, among the blocks of flats of Winogrady and Piatkowo districts, as well accessible by Fast Tram lines : #12, #14, #15, #16 and #26. 1, Kaspra Drużbickiego str., phone : +48 61 664 59 00. Open daily 9:30-22.

Panorama – a small centre in the south of Poznan, there's no big choice of shops, but it's a very good place to buy shoes and clothes. ul. Górecka 30, phone : +48 061 650 00 65 Open : Mon-Sat 10-21, Sun 10-19.

Open-air markets

There are still many of them in Poznań, most are open all year round – maybe during the most severe frosts some stalls are closed and vendours are at home.

A market on Wielkopolski Square – in the vicinity of the Old Town (2-3 minute walk) – mostly flowers, vegetables-fruit and sweets, some meat.

Bernardyński Square – a little bit further from the centre, accessible on foot (5-6 minute walk from the Old Market Square) or by trams #5, #13 and #16 and buses #74 and #76. A good choice of flowers, a lot of vegetables and fruit.

Jezycki Market – from the centre take trams #2, #17 or #18 to get there (if you're a good walker it's also accessible on foot) – mostly for the locals living in Jezyce district, a huge choice of meat, some flowers, vegetables, some clothes and shoes. Much better prices than in shops in the centre, but don't expect much English (or any other language). If you are a meat lover, just next to Jezycki, you will find Wilczura (Zdrowe Mięsa) (Poznańska 1/3 - note: as of Autumn 2012 the shop has moved a few blocks further down Poznanska Street; the precise address needs to confirmed), a specialised butcher offering a wide range of less common meats and meat products, from fresh horsemeat to coypu sausages. The prices are quite competitive and not much higher than more casual kinds of meat.

Comic books

Sw. Marcin street 29, in an inside square, there is a little nice manga shop. You can easily find it as there is a big poster about it on the wall in near the street.

Eat

Outside serving at old square

Budget

The cheapest places are so-called milk bars – established in the communist era, but still very popular, especially among younger people, for whom they're the cheapest (approx. €3 for a full dinner) option to have a normal meal (not fast-food).

Green Way - ul. Zeylanda 3. A vegetarian bistro, led by the Adventists of the Seventh Day (a protestant church). Seems to be far from the centre, but in fact just few steps from Kaponiera Crossing or central railway station. Phone : +48 61 843 40 27.

Piccolo bars – there are several of them within the city, but for tourists two will be most important: ul. Wrocławska 6 (phone : +48 61 852 89 57) and ul. Rynkowa 1 (Phone : +48 61 851 72 51) – both only few steps from the Old Market Sq.

Avanti[41], Stary Rynek 76 Tel: 061 8523285, Inexpensive fast-serve place to go for one of few kinds of spaghetti or lasagne. Served almost immediately - pasta and sauce are always ready. (Tip: go for carbonara pasta).

Kociak ("Kitty") ul. św. Marcin 28 – very famous for its wonderful deserts and milk shakes. Don't be astonished with the interiors – it is a cafe bar, not a luxurious café. Phone: +48 61 852 00 34.

Alabama - [44], ul. Jaskółcza 15a, something between a good bistro and a poor restaurant, but well located in the Old Town; international cooking with an accent on American meals. Phone : +48 61 852 75 27.

Bażanciarnia[52], Stary Rynek 94, Tel: 061 855 3359, 11am – midnight. One of the most famous restaurants in town, their speciality is game. The service is excellent and their locale on the Rynek superb. Main courses range from €5 for vegetarian to €15 for fois gras.

Dark Restaurant[62] - ul. Garbary 48, a part of The Golden Apple-Tree restaurant, where all the meals are eaten in total darkness. As well several bans are essential for the guests: it's forbidden to walk without waiter's assistance, to use cell phones or any other devices, which can be a source of any light. Phone : +48 61 852 20 57.

Ratuszova, Stary Rynek 55 (on the old market), ☎''+48'' 61 8510 513 (info@ratuszowa.poznan.pl), [63]. Traditional and modern Polish food arranged very elegantly. Beautiful location on the Market. Has outside serving, the inside is several unique smaller rooms in old charming building.40 zł for mains.

Pruderia Exclusive Striptease Club, Półwiejska 24, ☎+48 505298762, [68]. 9pm-4am. A striptease club with two locations, in Poznan and Wroclaw. This is a location for your stag event, but it is also a hit with local businessmen looking to relax and enjoy themselves at the end of a hard day's work.

Sleep

Poznań is well known for its Trade Fairs, when thousands of business types descend en masse to the city. Accommodation can be quite difficult to find in this period, and prices tend to go up. If you are stuck, the Glob-Tour office in the main train station hall (Tel: 061 866 0667) will generally find a private room for you for around €8 per person.

Budget

Blooms Boutique Hostel Inn and Apartments[69], Kwiatowa str. 2. phone: +48 61 221 44 48, e-mail: info@blooms.com.pl Located close to the Old Brewery shopping centre and the Old Market Square - with easy, quick connections to both the train station, bus station and the international fairgrounds. Blooms offers private rooms with bathroom, dormitories and apartments. Wifi, linen and a full breakfast included. 40 rooms. From 29 PLN.

By The Way Hostel[70], Półwiejska str. 19/10. In the city centre, just 10 minutes walk from the train and coach stations, and a little bit closer to the Old Town. In the vicinity two modern shopping malls. hostel@bythewayhostel.com, phone : +48 698 380 473.

Cinnamon Hostel[71], Gwarna str. 10/2. phone: +48 061 851 57 57. In the city centre, 5 min walk from the Old Market and 10 min from the train station!

Dom Asystenta (Assistant's House) - 18, Palacza str., run by the Poznan University of Technology, situated quite far from the centre, but well linked by public transport (trams : #5, #8, #14) with the city centre and railway station. mailto:asystent@neostrada.pl, phone : +48 061 866 20 21.

Frolic Goats Hostel[74], Wrocławska 16/6 street (entry from Jaskolcza street), tel: +48 61 8524411 . Open 365 days a year. Great prices for solo travelers, or for packs of people. Located 2 minutes walking from the Old Town Square. English speaking staff, very clean accommodation. Includes breakfast. The first real hostel in Poznan open all year round to all types of travelers, not just students.

Fusion Hostel[75] 85 beds in very city centre, in one of the office-skyscrapers, which means, that you'll have magificennt views from your room! Perfect location : The Old Town is only 10-minutes walk from the hostel, the same distance to central shopping malls or to the rail and bus stations. Phone : +48 61 852 12 30, mailto:office@fusionhostel.pl

Hostel8[76], Dluga str. 8/5. phone: +48 601304921. In the heart of the city, 5 min walk to the Old Market or to the Old Brewery shopping/art center and 10 min to the train station, mailto:hotel8@tutaj.com.pl

Hostel Poznan[80] Two hostels, located a little bit out of the centre, but still pretty close and accessible on foot. The former : in Jezyce district (10 min westwards of the very centre) : 40, Slowackiego str, phone : +48 61 843 31 02; the latter in Wilda district, 81, Gorna Wilda str., phone : +48 61 833 42 55.

Melange Hostel[81] 6a, Rybaki str., phone : +48 507 07 01 07. Situated in the city centre, just few minutes-walk from the main pedestrian shopping street, The Old Brewery Mall and the Old Market Square.

Melody Hostel[82], Stary Rynek 67, Tel: 61 851 60 60. The place inspired with music and close to the Old Market Square in Poznan.

Youth hostel[83], Berwińskiego str. 2/3. Very good localisation (the best among youth hostels), just few minutes from the railway station and International Poznan Fair, the Wilson's Park and the Palm House. Phone: +48 61 866 40 40

Hotel Ibis ** - 23 Kazimierza Wielkiego str., very good place, close to the Old Town, close to the Cathedral Island and to Malta Lake area. Just next to the hotel a nice Warta-river boulevard. Phone : +48 61 858 44 00, [90]mailto:h3110@accor.com

Hotel Tango ** - 82-84 Złotowska str., very convenient for those landing in Poznan in late evening or taking off early in the morning - the distance to the city-centre is much longer than to the airport check-in. Phone : +48 61 868 44 33, [98]mailto:hotel@hotel-tango.pl

Guest-room of the Institut of Bioorganic Chemistry - 17/19 Wieniawskiego str. The rooms are located in the very centre, in walking distance from both stations and from the Fairs, maybe only the Cathedral Island and Malta Lake requires some kind of transport. Conference halls are accessible, too. Phone : +48 61 851 68 41, [99]mailto:zpg@man.poznan.pl

Splurge

Hotel Sheraton***** - 3/9, Bukowska Str. One of the newest hotels in the city. Perfectly located opposite to the Fair Grounds, fewminmutes walk from the central station and just next to the bus stop to/from the airport. Phone : 061 655 20 00, [107], mailto:reservations.poznan@sheraton.com

Blow Up Hall***** - 42, Kościuszki Str. Located in the Old Brewery Blow Up Hall 50 50 is an interactive work of art with 22 luxurious rooms, a bar and a restaurant, all offering a combination of luxury, high tech, the finest design and personal artistic experimentation. Phone : +48 500 161 671 / 672, [108], mailto:blowup@blowuphall5050.com

Andersia Hotel**** - 3 Andersa Sq., just next to the Old Brewery, only 10-minutes walk from the fair areas, the central station and the Old Town. Phone : 061 667 80 00, [113], mailto:rezerwacje@andersiahotel.pl

Hotel Brovaria*** - 73/74 Stary Rynek Sq., located in the heart of Poznan - on one side, all sights are accessible on foot, on the other - life in that part of city finishes late ot night. Phone : +48 61 858 68 68, [114]

Hotel System Premium*** - 101 Lechicka Str. Pretty far from the centre, but well coordinated by Poznan Fast Tram (look above), near the Poznan both circular road, next to gardens and a former fort. These inconveniences are done by a computer with web connection in each room and a swimming pool. Phone : 061 821 07 00, [115]mailto:poznan@hotelsystem.pl

Hotel Włoski *** - 8, Dolna Wilda str. A new hotel, located just out of the city centre, most tourist attractions are accessible on foot. In the vicinity : swimming pools and tennis courts in Chwiałkowskiego str. And walking green areas at the Warta river side. Phone: +48 61 833 52 62, [116]

Novotel Poznań Centrum (before : hotel 'Poznań')*** - 1 Andersa Sq. The biggest hotel in west Poland (over 800 beds), nest to the Old Brewery Shopping Centre, not far the the central train and bus station and to the fair grounds. However the building is over 35 years old, all room and hall have been recently totally refurbished. Phone 061 858 70 00, [117]mailto:rez.nov.poznan@orbis.pl

Novotel Poznan Malta*** - 64/66 Warszawska Str. The hotel is located to the north from the Malta Lake, is a very quiet place, but quite far from the centre. Phone : 061 654 31 00, [118]mailto:rez.nov.malta@orbis.pl

Domina Poznan Residence*** - 2 St. Martin Str., between the Old Town and the main pedestrian shopping area and only few minutes on foot to the main tourist attractions. Phone : 061 8 590 590, [120], mailto:prestige@dominahotels.com

Hotel Meridiam*** - 22 Litewska Str. A small (20 beds) hotel in one of the parks: the Solacz Park. A place good for resting, ponds, walking areas. Phone : 061 656 53 53, [123]mailto:hotel@hotelmeridiam.com.pl

Hotel Rzymski*** - 22 Marcinkowskiego Av. A very good localisation, on the border if the Old Town and the city centre, many good restaurants, shops, service points just next to the hotel. Phone 061 852 81 21, http://www.hotelrzymski.plmailto:hotel@rzymski.pl

Hotel Stare Miasto*** - 36, Rybaki Str. Perfectly located in the centre, few-minutes-walk from the Old Town, in renewed old tenement house, but unfortunately the surrounding still requires refurbishment. Phone : 061 663 62 42, http://www.hotelstaremiasto.pl

Solei Rezydencja*** - 2 Szewska Str. One of few hotels locared within The Old Town, a very short walking distance from the Old Market Square, but on the other hand – parking problems – good for those coming without their own car. Phone : 061 855 73 51, http://www.hotel-solei.plmailto:recepcja@hotel-solei.pl

Ilonn Hotel Poznan*** - 16 Szarych Szeregow Str., 60-462 Poznan. Newly renovated hotel located within walking distance to Strzeszyn Lake (one of a few natural lakes in the city). High standard and top customer care makes this location worth considering when going to Poznan. It has a directly connected with the Rail Station via 68 bus line as well as with the city centre. The hotel complex includes parking, restaurant and (soon) separate conference rooms bulding. Phone : 061 668 75 75, [129]mailto:rezerwacja@ilonnhotel.pl

Contact

The phone numbers shown on this page are presented in the national format. All local numbers must be dialled with area codes, if you encounter a seven digit number, add '61' before the number.

Dialling a number from mobile

Depending on your phone operator and the network you roam into, you may want to try one of these:
- dial the number as seen, e.g. 061 888 0000
- if unsuccessful, omit the initial zero, e.g. 61 888 0000
- if still unsuccessful, omit the leading zero, dial +48 before the number, e.g. +48 61 888 0000

Internet

There are Internet cafés around the Stary Rynek and Stary Browar shopping center offers free Wireless connection. There is also a 24 hour Internet cafe at the main train station which is perfect for when you have hours to wait overnight for the next train. There is also public wi-fi internet access in the surroundings of the Stary Rynek and plac Wolności.

Stay safe

Poznań is generally a safe city, with levels of crime comparable to elsewhere in central Europe.

Tourist information

The main Poznan Information Centre [130] is located on the Old Market Square, on its southern side (building 59/60). In summer season (and during most important events – international fair, conferences etc.) open 9-21, in winter 10-19. Many free maps, leaflets about city and surroundings, souvenirs, books, albums, city-guide hire. Phone : +48 61 852 61 56, mailto:it@cim.poznan.pl (in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portugese, Russian).

Talk

In the city center, you will have no problem getting by with English, but outside of it English is quite limited. Even at the train station, you might find that you need to communicate with store vendors using body language (note: the international train office employees do all speak fluent English). If you need directions, try to ask young people who look like they might attend university. If you speak Russian, try talking to older people many of who still speak it at least basically. Despite Poznan's proximity to Germany, very few people speak any German, and if they do, it is often nothing more than a few words.

Get out

For those arriving by train from Berlin, it would make sense to travel south to the cities of Wroclaw and Kraków, or on to Warsaw. Another opportunity is to travel to the north - Gdansk

Worth a visit:

Kórnik (18 kms south-east from the city) with a neogothic castle with wonderful interiors and furniture and a dendrological park

Rogalin (16 kms to the south) with a baroque-klasicistic palace and its famous painting collection of the Raczynski family, horse cabs and very famous oak-treess (in total : more than 500), including three well-known trees : Lech, Czech i Rus.

Gniezno - the other co-capital of Poland in the tenth century. The city has a beautiful cathedral and old town and a very interesting Museum of the Beginnings of the Polish State.

Szamotuly - interesting old town 35km north-west of Poznan, with an interesting castle, icon collection and an unusual timber church nearby

Greater-Poland National Park - located only 15 kms south of city (easily accessible by trains), with several post-glacier lakes and morraines.

Puszczykowo (15 kms to the south, very easily accessible by train) - a very interesting travel museum of a polish traveller Arkady Fedler, the seat of the management of Greater-Poland National Park with a nature museum.

Szreniawa (15 kms to the south-west) - famous for the Agriculture Museum and the Bierbaums viewing tower

Chludowo (20 kms north of the city) - an etnograrhical-missionary museum of the Werbists Order, with their wooden church

The Puszcza Zielonka Forrest (10-15 kms north east of the city centre) - the biggest forest complex in the vicinity of the city, many walking and cycling trails, lakes with fishing areas. On the forest boundaries there are numerous wooden churches and some palaces.

Owińska (17 kms to the north) - with a precious church and the convent of Cistersian Nuns.

Uzarzewo (15 kms north east of the city) - with a Hunting Museum and a timber church

Swarzędz (just out of the city limits to the east, toward Warsaw) - a small city famous for the unique in Poland (and one of few in Europe) bee-keeping open-air museums.

Licheń - the largest basilica in Poland. Worth a visit if you are a devout catholic, or if one enjoys grotesque architecture.

Wolsztyn - a nice town 80kms south-east of Poznan with the operating steam-locos depot, which is the only one in Europe.

Murowana Goślina(19 km from northen part of Poznan) - 22000 people live this small and cozy town. Good place to walk and cycle in the forest(There is lake also). You can meet friendly local Polish people here. ;-)